Heart of Fire — Kristen Painter

Sometimes love is the most dangerous magic of all... Eager to find her place in the world and understand the frightening gifts she's been born with, Jessalyne Brandborn leaves her sheltered life to become apprentice to the most powerful sorceress in Shaldar. She hires Ertemis, the deadliest man in the realm, to get there. With the Legion's bounty on his head, Ertemis is reluctant to escort Jessalyne but needs the money she offers - especially if he's ever to find out who his father is. On the way, he discovers benefits to Jessalyne's naiveté; she treats him like an equal, not an outlaw. Swayed by Ertemis' gruff charm, Jessalyne starts to trust him and her emotional walls begin to crumble. Little do they know that within them lies the hope of the dying elven race, the renewal of Shaldar's beleaguered kingdom and an incredible chance at love. If they don't kill each other first.